Methamphetamine Addiction

METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION

Crystal meth – short for crystal methamphetamine – is one of several forms of the drug methamphetamine, a highly addictive synthetic stimulant known for its extreme affect upon the pleasure center of the brain. Crystal meth (also known as ice, meth, crystal, and other names) is one of the most highly addictive psychoactive drugs known today.

Methamphetamine is a clearish to white (sometimes bluish) crystalline drug ingested in various ways including snorting (insufflation, or inhaling through the nose), smoking, or IV (intravenously, or injection with a syringe/ hypodermic needle).

Methamphetamine acts on the brain by increasing the release of the neurotransmitterdopamine, leading to euphoria followed by a crash, otherwise known as coming down. Users typically develop a powerful desire to continue using crystal meth because the drug creates a strong (albeit false) sense of well-being, elation, and a rush of energy. As is the case with many other stimulants, the meth user also experiences decreased appetite. The effects of methamphetamine generally last from six to eight hours, but can sometimes last up to 24 hours. The crash that occurs after being high on crystal meth is so severe and unpleasant that users often ingest yet more of the drug, a quality shared by crack cocaine. After a time, meth users are known to have difficulty achieving any feelings of pleasure at all.